Lane Kiffin Officially Introduced as LSU’s New Head Coach: “This Is Exactly What You Want”
BATON ROUGE - Lane Kiffin is officially the next head coach of LSU football. After weeks of speculation and behind-the-scenes negotiations, LSU Athletics Director Verge Ausberry landed his top target, pulling Kiffin away from Ole Miss and fending off interest from Florida and other programs.
Kiffin was introduced Monday afternoon at a press conference inside the South Stadium Club at Tiger Stadium, where he made it clear-this move wasn’t just about football. It was about fit, family, and the chance to lead one of the most storied programs in the country.
And in true Kiffin fashion, the moment didn’t disappoint.
“Geaux Tigers” and a Call to Coach O
Kiffin didn’t waste time connecting with the LSU faithful. Recalling his arrival in Baton Rouge, he shared a moment that felt straight out of a movie script. As fans gathered at the airport to welcome him, he found himself channeling former LSU head coach Ed Orgeron.
“I called Ed and told him that something’s happening to me,” Kiffin said with a grin. “I want to talk like you.”
It was a light-hearted moment, but one that struck a chord. Kiffin understands the culture he’s stepping into-and he’s embracing it.
The Exit from Oxford: “It Affects You”
Kiffin also opened up about the emotional weight of leaving Ole Miss. In six seasons, he led the Rebels to a 55-19 record, capped off by an 11-1 regular season this year-the best in program history. That likely secured them a spot in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, a first for the program.
But success didn’t make the goodbye any easier.
“I’m human,” Kiffin said. “When you’re driving with your son and you have to call a police officer that you know to help you leave the state, all that I did for them, it affects you.”
It was a rare moment of vulnerability from a coach known for his swagger. But it also underscored the depth of his investment in Oxford-and the gravity of his decision to move on.
A Family Decision
Kiffin made it clear that this wasn’t a solo decision. His family’s visit to Baton Rouge played a key role in his choice.
“It was very important for them to get a feel for it and to be all-in,” he said. “I couldn’t feel comfortable making a decision without being on board.”
That personal touch mattered to LSU, too.
Frank Wilson to Coach Bowl Game
While Kiffin takes the reins of the program, he won’t coach LSU’s upcoming bowl game. That responsibility will remain with interim head coach Frank Wilson, who stepped in after Brian Kelly was dismissed on Oct. 26, eight games into his fourth season.
Kiffin’s focus, for now, is on building relationships, evaluating the current roster, and getting a head start on recruiting.
“The Best Job in College Football”
Kiffin didn’t mince words when asked about the opportunity ahead.
“As an elite competitor, this is exactly what you want,” he said. “This is the best job in college football.”
That sentiment echoed throughout the press conference. Kiffin spoke about the intensity of Tiger Stadium from the visitor sideline-the kind of environment that weighs on you and makes you wonder what it would be like to have that energy on your side.
Now, he does.
Nick Saban’s Influence
Kiffin also acknowledged the influence of Nick Saban, his former boss at Alabama. While he didn’t go into specifics, he made it clear that Saban played a role in his decision to come to LSU.
“Coach Saban coached at a different school in this conference, so I can’t say what he said,” Kiffin noted. “But he’s one of the reasons why I’m here.”
That’s a telling comment. Kiffin has long been seen as a sharp offensive mind with a knack for building programs-but this move signals he’s aiming even higher.
Alignment with LSU Leadership
Kiffin emphasized that LSU’s internal alignment-from the president’s office to the athletic department-was a major factor in his decision.
“There was alignment here,” he said. “That’s important.”
LSU president Wade Rousse echoed that sentiment, calling the hire a family moment and praising Ausberry for delivering on his promise to find the best coach in the country.
“Verge, you are a man of your word,” Rousse said. “You’re the architect.”
Kiffin Was the Top Choice
Ausberry didn’t shy away from confirming what many suspected-Kiffin was the first name on LSU’s list the moment Kelly was dismissed.
“There were many choices,” Ausberry said, “but Kiffin’s name was one we could not shake. Immediately, Lane Kiffin became our prime target.”
He also pointed to Kiffin’s “big personality” as something that made him a perfect fit for LSU. That charisma was on full display Monday, and it’s clear LSU sees Kiffin as more than just a football coach-they see him as a face of the program.
A Call with the Governor
Kiffin confirmed that he had a “passionate” conversation with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry during the decision-making process. He didn’t say when the call happened, but the fact that it did speaks volumes about the level of investment from state leaders in LSU football.
What’s Next
Kiffin’s coaching resume is as extensive as it is colorful. From his early days as a graduate assistant at Fresno State to head coaching stops at Tennessee, USC, and Ole Miss-and a stint as offensive coordinator under Saban at Alabama-Kiffin has seen just about every corner of college football.
Now, he steps into one of the most high-pressure, high-potential jobs in the sport. And if his first day on the job is any indication, he’s ready to embrace every bit of it.
“This is exactly what you want,” Kiffin said again, summing up the moment with the confidence that’s defined his career.
And for LSU fans, that swagger might be just what the program needs.